UNISON has voted to accept the proposals to alter the Agenda for Change (AfC) agreement in England.
The union’s health service group executive agreed the move when it met in London on 6 February.
Their decision follows a union-wide consultation on the proposals. Regions and branches consulted with members throughout December 2012 and January 2013, via workplace meetings, electronic and telephone surveys and in ballots.
All regions in England accepted the proposals.
UNISON head of health Christina McAnea said: “Our regions and branches have worked hard to ensure that our health members could make an informed choice about the proposals to alter Agenda for Change.
“Branches and regions recognised that holding on to as much of our national agreement as possible was a better option than a ‘slow death’ of Agenda for Change, brought about by increasing numbers of trusts breaking away from the agreement.”
They include changes to incremental progression and to the unsocial hours payments staff receive when on sick leave, as well as a trade union proposal to protect against downbanding.
The NHS Staff Council will meet at the end of February, when it will decide whether to ratify the amended agreement.
Ms McAnea added: “UNISON will continue its campaign to protect jobs and services as well as future pay and conditions of all health workers.”
HC- 010-13 Consultation on the Agenda for Change Proposals in England shows support for acceptance
